Flagbearer of the New Patriotic Party (NPP), Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, has stated that Ghana must introduce a broad-based road toll system to improve road infrastructure in the country. According to the NPP’s 2024 presidential candidate, the government alone cannot fund road projects in Ghana, emphasising private sector participation.
In 2022, the NPP government made the decision to abolish road tolls in a bid to ease traffic congestion on major roads, and the Vice President, who was touring the Volta Region, said a broadened reintroduction of the tolling regime would provide the needed revenue for infrastructure development.
Dr. Bawumia addressed citizen concerns about the poor condition of roads during a meeting with the clergy in the Volta Region at the start of his tour. He indicated that the government currently lacks the necessary funding for infrastructure development and suggested that innovative solutions, such as road tolling, could offer a viable solution.
Dr. Bawumia added that the private sector could help supplement road toll revenue to provide the necessary road maintenance support. Additionally, the Vice President emphasised the need to reevaluate the government’s approach to funding road infrastructure.
“Let us go back to a system of broad-based road tolls. The tolling system has to come back, and I think it will come back. “It is a fundamental mistake of the government to place all road projects on the budget. The government doesn’t have enough money and the private sector has to be brought in.”
Dr. Bawumia mentioned that the private sector would offer a lease payment option to help deliver the necessary infrastructure for the nation, similar to their support in advancing the country’s digital agenda.
The Vice President outlined his vision for Ghana if elected president, stating his commitment to expanding agriculture, ensuring power sufficiency, and reforming the nation’s tax system.
He reiterated the importance of recognising the church for its role in national development and promised to provide it with the necessary support.
In the company of the Vice President was the leadership of the NPP, including Mr Stephen Ntim, National Chairman of the NPP, and also Mr Stephen Asamoah Boateng, the Minister for Chieftaincy and Religious Affairs.
